Your package has traveled across the ocean to the destination country but is stuck at customs—this is probably one of the most anxious moments for overseas Chinese. Don't panic. Customs detention (also called "customs hold") doesn't mean your package is lost. This article teaches you 5 steps to solve customs clearance issues and get your package back safely.
Why Is Your Package Held by Customs?
Common reasons for customs detention include:
| Reason for Detention | Frequency | Difficulty to Resolve | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Random Inspection | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Easy | Most common. Customs randomly selects packages to verify contents. Usually released automatically after 2-5 days. |
| Declaration Discrepancy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Medium | The declared item name/quantity/value does not match the actual contents. Supplementary materials are required. |
| Exceeds Duty-Free Allowance | ⭐⭐⭐ | Easy | Additional payment requiredCustoms DutiesRelease after payment |
| Restricted items / License required | ⭐⭐ | Difficult | Some items require import license (e.g.Food,medications, electronics) |
| Suspected commercial use | ⭐⭐ | Medium | Too many identical items, considered commercial import |
| Prohibited items | ⭐ | Difficult | Contains prohibited ingredients or items, may be confiscated |
5 Steps to Resolve Customs Detention
Step 1: Confirm Detention Status
Don't panic yet. Check the latest status viaImagineShipoftracking. If it shows ”In Customs Inspection” or ”Awaiting Customs Clearance”, it may just be normal queuing. It is normal for international packages to stay in customs for 3-5 business days.
Step 2: Check Customs Notice
If the package is officially detained, you will usually receive a notice (email, SMS, or courier notification). The notice will specify:
- Reason for detention
- Documents required
- Response deadline
- Contact department and phone number
No notice received? Contact the courier in the destination country (e.g., USPS, Royal Mail, Canada Post) to inquire.
Step 3: Prepare Supplementary Materials
Prepare corresponding documents based on the reason for detention:
- Declaration Discrepancy: Screenshot of shopping order (Taobao/JD order details), payment proof, product description
- Exceeds duty-free allowance: Prepare to pay tax (amount usually stated in customs notice)
- Personal use proof: Declaration letter stating personal use, attach shopping receipt
- Food/Medicine: Ingredient list (in English), original packaging photos
Step 4: Respond to Customs Promptly
Customs notices usually have a response deadline (7-30 days). Failure to respond may result in the package being returned or destroyed. Response methods:
- Submit online (most countries' customs have online systems)
- Reply via email (attach scanned documents)
- Handle through a customs broker (ImagineShip's DDP lines include this service)
Step 5: Pay Duties for Release or Appeal
After submitting documents, results usually come within 3-7 business days. If tax is due, pay online and customs will release the package for delivery. If you believe the detention is unreasonable, you can file an appeal.
Customs Detention Handling by Country
| Country | Customs system | Inquiry method | Average processing time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | CBP (Customs and Border Protection) | Track via USPS/UPS/FedEx | 3-10 days |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | HMRC | Royal Mail online tracking | 3-7 days |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | CBSA | Canada Post Tracking | 3-14 Days |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | ABF | Australia Post Tracking | 3-10 days |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | Zoll | DHL/Hermes Tracking | 5-14 Days |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore | Singapore Customs | SingPost Tracking | 2-5 Days |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | Customs | Japan Post Tracking | 3-7 days |
How to Prevent Customs Detention?
- Declare Truthfully — Name, quantity, and amount must be accurate. Under-declaring value is one of the most common reasons for seizure.
- Control Value Per Box — Try to keep each box's value below the duty-free threshold (Duty-Free Allowances by Country).
- Avoid Sensitive Product Names — Names like “medicine”, “cosmetics”, “health supplements” can easily trigger inspections. If the item is compliant, specify the exact name rather than a general category.
- Ship Personal Items Separately — Too many identical items may be suspected as commercial imports. It is recommended to ship in batches.
- Choose DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) Lines — ImagineShip's DDP service is handled by a professional customs clearance team, greatly reducing the risk of seizure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get My Package Back If It's Held by Customs?
In most cases, yes. Random inspections and additional duties are the most common reasons. Once you submit the required documents or pay the tax, the package will be released. Only genuine prohibited items (e.g., counterfeits, controlled substances) may be confiscated.
Do I Need to Pick Up the Package Myself If It's Held by Customs?
No. All procedures can be handled online or by phone/email. Once the documents are approved or the tax is paid, the package will continue to be delivered to the original address.
If I Choose DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), Can It Still Be Detained?
The seizure rate for DDP lines is very low (<5%) because the professional customs team prepares all documents in advance. Even if inspected, the team will handle it on your behalf, so you basically don't need to worry.
Having trouble with customs clearance?Contact ImagineShip Customer Service, our professional customs team is here to help!
